Maria DeAngelo, Art in Public Places

Harvest & Hearth

251 Co Rd 67, Saratoga Springs, NY

October 2nd-December 29th, 2026

Artist Statement 

I choose to create images of flowers because their lifespan is short and is impacted by the environment they bloom in. There is an external beauty in flowers, but also a beauty in the internal workings that we do not see, allowing them to grow, adapt and create food.

Why do sunflowers keep reappearing in my paintings? The reason can vary by the painting or by the day. There have been days when I walk outside and have to get my easel and begin. I work right in the sunflowers planted by the very industrious chipmunks that live near our home. There are other days when a bouquet of sunflowers in a favorite vase just asks to be painted, in days they will twist and fade, so capture them now. Sunflowers are said to follow the light, reaching to face towards it which makes me wonder on the reason, since it’s the leaves not the bloom that must capture the energy of the sun. The bloom of the sunflower has two jobs. Within the center of the sunflower (disk florets) produce seeds, rich in oils and nutrients, gathered by birds, animals and humans for nourishment. The striking yellow, gold or siena petals (ray florets) attract pollinators. Like the bloom of the sunflower, I wanted the space to invite in viewers to be both nourished and excited, to attract and spread energy through art and action.